A proud and impressive military parade at Nuneaton's Gamecock Barracks saw the official re-formation of a squadron of the Queen's Gurkha Signals.

A proud and impressive military parade at Nuneaton's Gamecock Barracks saw the official re-formation of a squadron of the Queen's Gurkha Signals.

The 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron was formed as part of 2 Signal Regiment at Imphal Barracks, Yorkshire, last year.

But at the weekend the squadron was officially reformed at Bramcote as a Queen's Gurkha Signals sub-unit.

About 1,000 people, including 350 soldiers, all serving Queen's Gurkha Signals, former Queen's Gurkha soldiers, many guests from the Brigade of Gurkhas from around the world and invited family and dignitaries attended.

Visitors also included the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bed-worth, Cllr Bill Hancox and Nuneaton MP Bill Olner.

The 246 Signal Squadron was disbanded when the British Army left Hong Kong. However, following the Government's Strategic Defence Review in 1998 it was decided to form a Gurkha signals squadron as part of 2 Signal Regiment and perpetuate the name of 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron.

Gen Sir Sam Cowan, Chief of Defence Logistics, reviewed the parade on the main square.

He told the squadron: "It is a very great pleasure to be the reviewing officer today.

"The history of 246 Squadron takes us back to our very early days in Malaya and, of course, later in Hong Kong.

"It reflects great credit to produce such an impressive parade this morning.

"This is another proud day in the history of the Queen's Gurkha Signals."

Maj Julius Caesar, Officer Commanding the new squadron, said: "Not only is the re-formation of 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron a significant and momentous occasion for all in the Brigade of Gurkhas but it also serves to highlight our importance to the army as a whole."

In separate ceremonies Gen Cowan also commissioned two warrant officers to the rank of lieutenant - Lt Sanraj Gurung and Lt Nirmal Gurung.

The pipe banner was also presented to the squadron pipe major, Sgt Dhalbahadur Sahi.